On Tuesday 6th January members of the Victoria County History of Essex were very happy to be at the Essex Record Office to support a talk given by Professor Catherine Clarke, Director of the Centre for the History of People, Place and Community at the Institute of Historical Research, which is the home of the national Victoria County History Project.
Professor Clarke has recently published a very well-received book, A History of England in 25 Poems, which explores the history of England through 25 poems written between the eighth century and today. Her talk “Maldon, Saxons, Vikings” primarily focussed on the poem in her book with an Essex connection: The Old English poem The Battle of Maldon, which turns a disastrous defeat for Byrthnoth and his men in 991 into a heroic victory for English honour.
The audience were treated to some sections of the poem being read aloud in the original Old English as well as a wonderful explanation of the political undertones of the poem. Clarke argues that poems have the power to open a direct portal between us and moments in the past, and the experiences and emotions of those who lived in the past. On the evidence of this talk, she is the ideal guide to the time travelling potential of poetry and no doubt after this event Chelmsford book shops will have seen a surge in sales of her book!
An additional highlight was the presence of the Julie Miller, the curator of the Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon, who had brought with her a tenth-century sword from the museum’s collection, which was found near Maldon. It was an amazing experience for attendees to handle an artefact that might have been used at the Battle of Maldon.
Thanks to Professor Clarke for coming to Essex and giving the VCH the opportunity to have a display and spread the word about our work and to the Essex Record Office for hosting the event.
Victoria County History of Essex 